Any suggestions on where to buy kids glasses that are affordable? DD1 is 6 and in first grade. The doctor said she didn’t necessarily need glasses, but I was surprised at how much she was struggling with the eye exam. It is mostly due to a pretty high astigmatism in one eye. I’d like to get a pair for her to try, but there is a high likelihood they’ll get lost or broken so I don’t want to spend too much.
Post by turkletsmom on Oct 8, 2021 17:40:53 GMT -5
I order all of ours from Zenni. I always upgrade the lenses for anti-scratch/glare, etc and I still only usually spend around $40 a pair. A basic pair you can probably get under $20. They do need to know her pupillary distance number for prescriptions which you can either measure yourself with a little ruler you can print out or your eye doctor can give it to you. I'm not sure if you need it though if you're just ordering general reading glasses.
Post by redheadbaker on Oct 8, 2021 18:01:07 GMT -5
We bought two pairs from Zenni, and they've both broken. I have Zennis myself and I like them for me, but I don't think they're durable enough for kids. I got DS a pair from Warby Parker that have held up well.
There is a great group on FB. For Little Eyes, I think.
Anyway, I’d look at Walmart and Target if you want to look in person. If your optometrist didn’t measure her pupillary distance (most don’t, it is part of the glasses fitting process), you can ask nicely at Walmart or do it yourself with some Google instructions.
Be aware that many places try to fit kids in glasses that are too big to grow into. RESIST. Kids heads don’t grow that fast and properly fitting glasses are more comfortable.
At 6, I’d start with a lens width in the low 40s (glasses are measured like 42-14-xx, lens width/nose bridge width/arm length). My dd is 9 and wears a 45. They are Jonas Paul brand but those are the smallest they make.
Kids Bright Eyes has some really cute styles if you want to browse
Post by thebreakfastclub on Oct 8, 2021 18:05:57 GMT -5
I will always recommend Costco Optical if you have a membership. Their glasses are easily more than half off other stores, and I prefer to try on in store. I know they have kids frames.
They're not necessarily cheap, but I buy DS2 glasses that are basically indestructible. Dilly Dalli, Safilo, Miraflex and Nano Vista are what we've bought in the past. If you find something you like at an optical place, you can likely find them online cheaper. I second the For Little Eyes fb page for tips and proper fit
We always just buy them from the eye doctor. Not the cheapest option but it is definitely the easiest for us. One stop shopping. I have also done Costco and they were an okay option but not as convenient. I definitely like buying them from an in person shop because then you can go back for adjustments as needed.
I did want to say though that kids can surprise you. DD has been wearing glasses since pre-k. Everyone warned me that they would immediately get broken or lost but nope. Our rule has always been on your face in the case. We have only had one issue in 7 years (a kid in DD's 2nd grade glass knocked them off her face and they broke) and it was almost time for a new pair of glasses anyways.
My ds has been in glasses since he was 8 and we bought them at the eye doctor. They are a bit more expensive but both Nike and Oakley have some pretty kid-proof kid frames. He actually grew out of his kid frames before there was any damage to them (they are in his drawer and still in great condition - just too small for him now).
Ditto abs — kid has been in glasses since first grade and we have always bought from the eye doctor. We have never had a pair break. We get at least two years out of them because the eye doctor will order new lenses rather than full new frames. My kid can’t see without them, though, so she doesn’t take them off and lose them.
Post by mainelyfoolish on Oct 9, 2021 11:53:44 GMT -5
Walmart. Not quite as cheap as some of the online options but still very reasonable and you get a real human to help fit and adjust the frames. Even better. they will fix or replace broken frames within 12 months of purchase. I’ve taken advantage of that a few times over the past five years for DS (9 years old) because of a combination of bad luck and bad choices on his part.